The 30th Annual Ohio Mock Trial District Competition takes place this week.

The 30th Annual Ohio Mock Trial District Competition takes place this week.

More than 3,500 students from 180 high schools across Ohio will test their court and trial skills as they compete in the 30th Annual Ohio Mock Trial District Competition this week.

Sponsored by the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education (OCLRE), the Mock Trial competition allows students to assume the roles of attorneys and witnesses as they learn about the constitution and their rights as citizens. It’s the largest high school mock trial program in the nation. This year’s mock trial case will analyze an individual’s rights under the Fifth Amendment regarding improper confessions.

The first district competition begins today in Cincinnati at the Taft Judicial Center. All other districts across Ohio will hold their mock trial competitions on Friday.

While not all mock trial competitors are aspiring to study the legal profession, OCLRE President Lisa Eschleman said the students gain critical thinking, reading, public speaking, and listening skills by participating in the event.

The teams will consist of up to 11 students who are required to prepare for both the prosecution and defense of the constitutional case and will compete against two different teams. Nearly 1,000 legal professionals wills serve as volunteer judges, coordinators, and team advisors.

District winners will advance to the regional competition on February 22. The state competition will be held on March 7-9 in Columbus with the championship round held in the Ohio Statehouse.